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WATER SUPPLY
The Lee Valley Water Company supplies the district with its water
supply. This supply is largely obtained from deep wells sunk into
chalk. The Company took 2,287 samples of water representative of
supply for bacteriological examination over the whole of its area of
supply. Of these only 26 contained E Coli, giving a percentage of
purity of 98.9 per cent.
During the year the Water Company took 27 samples of water for
bacteriological examination from the local supply. All these samples
were satisfactory.
In addition to the above 10 water samples for bacteriological
examination were submitted by the Department to the Laboratory at
Coppetts Wood Hospital. All these samples were satisfactory.
INFESTATIONS
RODENT CONTROL
During the year 373 complaints of rats and mice were investigated
and where necessary the premises adjoining the houses from which the
original complaints were received were also visited. In consequence
767 properties were inspected for the presence of rats and mice. Of
these properties 392 were found to have signs of infestations and were
treated.
The number of complaints received during 1962 shows a considerable
decrease over the previous year. This is the first year since
1959 when the number has been less than in the previous year. The
infestations were all of a minor character though one or two were
difficult to eradicate. Warfarin has been used in the majority of cases
though where difficulty has been experienced further treatments
using a different poison have usually produced results.
INSECT CONTROL
The majority of complaints regarding infestation of premises by
insects were those of carpet beetles, moths and wasps. All complaints
were investigated and advice given and where necessary insecticides
applied free of cost.
During the year 13 wasp nests were destroyed. This figure is not as
high as that for 1961 and the decrease is undoubtedly due to the
increase in the charge authorised by the Council in respect of this
service. However, it should be remembered that the charge, viz: 25/is
a realistic figure and relates directly to the cost of the work to the
Council. The charge is, in any case, considerably lower than that
made by outside firms specialising in insect eradication.
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